Music
Weekend city guide: 29 – 31 July
It may be the end of July but summer’s not simmering out yet!
Want to know the best events happening across the UK this weekend? Not only is festival season in full swing, but you can also watch the next generation of swimmers compete for glory, boldly go to a Star Trek film screening and see a trio of slapstick rubbish collectors.
Fill your weekend with music and merriment at the events listed below or check out our London, Manchester and Scotland guides for more great ideas.
LONDON
Standon Calling
29 – 31 July
Standon, Hertfordshire (45 minutes from London)
It’s back! The 11th edition of Standon Calling is set to be the biggest and best ever. Not only is this festival bringing headliners such as Suede, Jess Glynne and Kelis to the main stage, but there will also be theatre, family activities, comedy and cookery along with a swimming pool and the Standon Dog Show. Expect a rocking (and barking) good time.
My Slice Fest
30 July
Wembley Park
This festival merges two of our favourite things: music and pizza. Where else could you listen to sets from a line-up of more than 20 world-class DJs (including Delilah, Bluey Robinson, Rugrat and Sammy Porter) while downing a slice of cheesy, saucy goodness?
Trash Test Dummies
Until 31 July
London Wonderground
Ready for some hat juggling and wheelie bin silliness? This fabulous family show features three dexterous dummies who collect rubbish. Blending top-notch circus skills with clowning around, they deliver a dump truck full of hilarity.
MANCHESTER
Concerts by the Lake – Wet Wet Wet and The Hallé
29 – 30 July
Tatton Park, Knutsford (14 miles southwest of Manchester)
An outdoor concert is the perfect way to wind down over the weekend. On Friday night listen to Glasgow band Wet Wet Wet play hits like Sweet Surrender and Goodnight Girl. On Saturday The Hallé, one of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, will have you hooked on classics.
SCOTLAND
Mary Chapin Carpenter
29 July
Perth Concert Hall
A five-time Grammy Award-winning artist and 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, this country music legend is touring the UK in support of her recently released 14th album, The Things We Are Made Of. Don’t take your chances, get tickets now.
CARDIFF
Coast2Coast
27 – 30 July
Rhyl Outdoor Events Arena
This inaugural seaside festival has something for all ages. Step inside The Big Top where you’ll have the opportunity to hear Björn Again, Jason Donovan, Rhydian and UB40. You can laugh it up with comedians like Steve Williams and Zoe Lyons too.
SHEFFIELD
British Swimming
26 – 31 July
Ponds Forge
The British Summer Championships 2016 have kicked off. Aimed at supporting junior talent, why not dive in and get a peek at the swimming stars of tomorrow while they’re competing against their biggest domestic rivals?
NEWMARKET
Tears For Fears
29 July
Newmarket Racecourses
Keen on catching a concert at a racecourse? The Jockey Club Live is hosting Tears For Fears in an early evening of open-air music to remember. Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal are sure to be in fine form as they play a mix of their ’80s hits and cover songs.
BLACKPOOL
Star Trek: Film Festival
27 – 30 July
Blackpool Opera House
Calling all Trekkies! This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first broadcast of the sci-fi franchise. To celebrate, see one (or all!) of the 13 Star Trek films, including the recently released Star Trek Beyond, on a huge screen with state-of-the-art digital projection.
